Malmö

Raiven

©EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameSara Briški Cirman Born26 April 1996 Nationality🇸🇮 Slovenian National SelectionInternal selection 2024EMA 2019EMA 2017EMA 2016 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongVeronika (2024) Biography Sara Briški Cirman, widely recognized by her stage name Raiven, is a renowned Slovenian mezzo-soprano, pop singer, songwriter, and harpist. Born on April 26, 1996, in Brežice, Slovenia, she has made significant strides in her musical career, distinguishing herself in both the classical and pop music arenas. Raiven first gained widespread recognition in Slovenia’s music scene during the national final Evrovizijska Melodija (EMA) in 2016, where she competed to represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “Črno bel.” She achieved second place in this highly competitive event. Following this success, Raiven continued to participate in EMA, securing third place in 2017 with “Zažarim” and returning in 2019 with “Kaos,” again placing second. Her talent and persistence paid off in 2024 when she was chosen to represent Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest with her song “Veronika.” In 2017, Raiven released “Magenta,” her debut album, to critical acclaim. This release earned her an award from Zlata piščal, a Slovenian cultural and artistic association, in the record of the year category. Later, Raiven expanded her horizons by collaborating with songwriters and producers at London’s Metropolis Studios. This partnership culminated in the release of the EP album “REM,” which garnered both critical and public acclaim. Raiven’s stage presence and performance skills were further highlighted at the Exit Festival in Novi Sad in 2019, where she performed on the Fusion Stage to an audience of over 56,000 people. She also showcased her versatility by performing with several esteemed orchestras, including the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra and the Slovenian Police Orchestra. In 2020, she delivered a memorable performance with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra at the Ljubljana Slovene National Theatre Opera and Ballet. Her achievements in 2021 were notable, winning the Grand Audience Award at the Popevka 21 festival with her song “Vokovi,” earning the title Popevka 2021. That same year, Raiven completed her master’s degree in opera solo singing at Ljubljana’s Academy of Music. Raiven’s innovative approach to music was evident in her electro-opera concert project in 2022, where she skillfully blended classical opera arias with electronic pop. This project, titled “Doloroso,” was showcased in a sold-out concert at Cankar Centre. In 2023, Raiven hosted the Popevka festival and introduced her new song “Ikona,” signaling the upcoming release of her EP “Sirene,” which includes her Eurovision song “Veronika.” Raiven’s education in music began early, enrolling at the Ljubljana Music Matica at the age of four. She pursued harp lessons at the Music School in Ljubljana and later attended the Maribor Conservatory of Music and Ballet, where she majored in harp, jazz singing, and solo singing. Her talents were recognized early on, winning several awards in classical music competitions. She graduated in solo singing from the Ljubljana Academy of Music in 2015 and completed her master’s degree in 2021. In opera, Raiven dedicated herself to artistic development, performing in various roles, including in the world’s first tamburitza opera “Ambrož and Katarina” and as a scholarship holder of the Berlin Opera Academy. Her performances in significant roles, such as Rosina in Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” and the title role in Händel’s “Agrippina,” demonstrate her versatility and commitment to the opera genre. Raiven has also made her mark in theater, performing in plays like “Trojanke” and musicals such as “Povodni mož,” showcasing her multifaceted talents. Her dedication to her craft and continuous development as an artist have established her as a significant figure in both the Slovenian and international music scenes. On December 12, 2023, it was announced that she was going to represent Slovenia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Veronika”. The song managed to reach the Grand Final on May 11. Entries Veronika Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2024 LanguageSlovenian LyricsSara Briški CirmanBojan CvjetićaninKlavdija Kopina MusicSara Briški CirmanBojan CvjetićaninDanilo KapelKlavdija KopinaMartin BezjakPeter Khoo DancersFilippo Jorio Lukas Bareman Marin Ino Mateja Železnik Matteo Moretto Results Semi Points: 51Position: 9Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 27Position: 23Running order: 22 https://youtu.be/l86DxpRnz5M?si=fLlVc841n08YIFLg

Joost Klein

© EBU/Corinne Cumming About Quick Facts NameJoost Klein Born10 November 1997 Nationality🇳🇱 Dutch National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongEuropapa (2024) Biography Joost Klein, widely known as Joost, was born on November 10, 1997, in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. He’s a renowned Dutch musician, writer, and former YouTuber. His notable works include tracks like “Scandinavian Boy,” “Wachtmuziek,” “Ome Robert,” and “Friesenjung,” and albums such as “M van Marketing,” “Albino,” and “1983.” In 2024, he’s set to represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö. Growing up in Britsum with his parents, Joost attended Stedelijk Gymnasium Leeuwarden. He experienced significant losses early in life, losing his father in his first year of secondary school and his mother shortly thereafter. In 2008, at the age of 10, Joost started a YouTube channel named EenhoornJoost. Joost’s career took off with his single “Bitches,” achieving a million views on YouTube. He briefly joined the label Top Notch in 2017-2018 before deciding to establish his own label. The first album released under his label was “Albino” on January 18, 2019. Before that, on October 20, 2017, he released the mixtape “Scandinavian Boy.” His single “Meeuw” was released on March 21, 2018, with a music video shot in Los Angeles. This was followed by “Ome Robert” on April 26. On August 3, 2018, Joost and Donnie released the album “M van Marketing,” featuring songs like “Stockholm,” “Domme Patta,” “Leipe Dennis,” and “Vogel op de Hek.” Later, on November 2, he released “Chubby,” a track discussing his birthweight, produced by Tantu. In 2018, Joost also penned the poetry collection “Albino,” inspired by his father, who was also a writer. He expressed the significance of holding a tangible creation, contrasting it with the virtual nature of his YouTube and music work. Promoting “Albino,” Joost embarked on the “Het gaat niet zo goed” tour on January 25, 2019, visiting nine theaters including Het Paard, De Oosterpoort, Doornroosje, and Paradiso. He concluded the tour on March 3 at Paradiso. During the following summer, he performed at several festivals like Pukkelpop, Pinkpop, Lowlands, and Zwarte Cross. “1983,” an album named after his brother’s birth year, was released on November 15, 2019. On April 24, 2020, Joost released “Joost Klein 7,” featuring collaborations including Canadian rapper bbno$. In this album, members of Lekker Spelen featured on one of the tracks. “Ik Wil Je,” a remix of De Kreuners’ song, was released on August 7, 2020. In “Florida 2009,” Joost reflects on his parents’ passing. First performed at Pinkpop 2022, he described it as his most personal and honest track. He released his eighth studio album, “Fryslân,” on September 30, 2022, featuring singles like “Wachtmuziek,” “Florida 2009,” and “Papa en Mama,” entirely produced by Teun de Kruif (Tantu Beats). The album includes collaborations with South African rapper Jack Parow, Pestcore Collectief member Gladde Paling, videographer Appie Mussa (Apson), and YouTuber Nathan Vandergunst (Acid), incorporating samples from Doe Maar and Crazy Frog. In 2023, Joost’s first German hit “Friesenjung,” made in collaboration with Berlin rapper Ski Aggu and an adaptation of a song by East Frisian comedian Otto Waalkes (itself an adaptation of Sting’s “Englishman in New York”), topped the German charts. He released more songs in the gabberpop genre and participated in the Flemish TV show “De Slimste Mens ter Wereld,” where he was eliminated after two episodes. On social media, Joost’s presence evolved from making YouTube videos under the name EenhoornJoost, featuring sketches and mini-documentaries, to focusing solely on music videos under the name joost klein. Joost Klein has amassed over 225,000 subscribers on YouTube, with his videos garnering more than 23 million views. However, he doesn’t consider himself a YouTuber anymore, having shifted his focus from creating general content to exclusively music videos. He identifies more as an artist. On Instagram, he has gained a substantial following, with over 385,000 followers, reflecting his growing popularity and influence in the digital realm. Joost was one of 600 candidates aspiring to represent the Netherlands at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Supported by 3FM DJs, he gathered 25,000 signatures displayed on a banner at the entrance of the Media Park in Hilversum, in front of Beeld & Geluid. On December 11, 2023, he was officially chosen as the Dutch singer. On February 29, 2024, he presented his Eurovision song “Europapa”. After reaching the final on the 9th of May, an incident occured between Joost Klein and a lady of the camera crew. Although Joost was not found guilty, EBU thought it was necessary to disqualify him. After Eurovision, Joost’s “Europapa” reached the first place in three countries and became a hit in many European countries. “Europapa” even reached the British charts, as the first Dutch language song ever. Entries Europapa Country🇳🇱 The Netherlands Year2024 LanguageDutch LyricsJoost KleinMaradonnieTim Haars MusicTantu BeatsThijmen MelissantPaul ElstakDylan van Dael BackingsMartijn van Eijzeren (Stuntkabouter)Abdulahi Mussa Ali (Appie Mussa) BackingsIndy van CauwenbergSophia Mason Results Semi Points: 182Position: 2Running order: 16 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: 5 https://youtu.be/IiHFnmI8pxg?si=gm4vd4A6FtPM5Dz-

Joost Klein for The Netherlands

photo: AVROTROS Joost Klein will represent The Netherlands in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, next year in Malmö. That is what Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced this morning. One of the Dutch radiostations, NPO3, already campaigned a lot for Joost. And in the end, it worked. Below, you see the video where he got the phonecall from AVROTROS, telling him he is selected. “Following a careful and multi-phase process, the selection committee ultimately opted for Joost Klein. There were a lot of entries from a wide range of genres, but in our view his had the most hit potential. In the song, you hear his familiar mix of party and nostalgia.” “With his enormous creativity, we think Joost can put on a great show in a totally original way, and that the Netherlands and Europe are in for a positive surprise. We’re really looking forward to working with him.” Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen, chair of the selection committee. Joost Klein: “Taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest is a dream come true. I used to watch it together with my parents, glued to the screen, year after year. It’s an honor to represent the Netherlands, and I’m committed to giving my all for the best possible outcome.” source: AVROTROS This is not the Eurovision Song but it is an idea of what you can expect:

37 countries in Eurovision

37 countries will participate in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Compared with last year’s contest, Romania will not take part. EBU says it is still talking with Romanian broadcaster TVR about future participations. Also compared to last year, Luxembourg returns to the contest. After the 1993 contest, Luxembourg left Eurovision. In order to select a song for the 2024 contest, RTL (Radio Télé Luxembourg) already started with auditions. A national final will be held with multiple artists.

🇨🇿 Tonight: Czechia selects a song!

Tonight Czechia selects a song! The Czech audience will select their song out of seven contestants. The show will be aired from the Roxy in Prague. The show will be hosted by Adam Mišík and former Austrian representative Cesár Sampson. The show starts at 20.15 and you can watch it here. Although the plan was that the titles and songs were going to be revealed during the show itself, some of the songs leaked. None of the contestants participated before. These are the participants: Aiko The angel’s share Elly Gianna Lei Lenny Red Flag Parade MYDY Tom Sean Out Of My Mind Tomas Robin

Slimane

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameSlimane Nebchi Born13 October 1989 Nationality🇫🇷 French National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongMon Amour (2024) Biography Slimane Nebchi, known simply as Slimane, is a French singer and songwriter. Born on October 13, 1989, in Chelles, Seine-et-Marne, he is of Algerian heritage, a fact that enriches his music with a blend of cultures. He first stepped into the limelight through various music competitions like “Nouvelle Star” and “X Factor”. His persistence paid off when he won the fifth season of “The Voice: la plus belle voix” in 2016, at the age of 26, with an impressive 33% of the public vote. Prior to his success on The Voice, Slimane’s musical journey was filled with online releases of his own compositions, such as “Toi et moi” and “Amour Impossible“, the latter being a duet with Princesse Sofia. After his victory on The Voice, Slimane’s career soared. He released his debut album and multiple singles, establishing himself as a significant figure in the French music industry. His achievements are not limited to the recording studio. He has also been cast in secondary roles in musicals, such as Didier Barbelivien’s French musical “Marie-Antoinette et le Chevalier de Maison-Rouge”. On November 8, 2023, it was announced that Slimane was going to represent France in the Eurovision Song Contest. The same evening, the French entry “Mon Amour” was presented. The song was automatically placed in the Grand Final. Slimane reached a 4th place there. Entries Mon Amour Country🇫🇷 France Year2024 LanguageFrench LyricsSlimane Nebchi MusicMeïr SalahSlimane NebchiYaacov Salah Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 445Position: 4Running order: 25 https://youtu.be/-XyLecY2JyE?si=hBsDb4y2EVtTGr9u

Marina Satti

© EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett About Quick Facts NameMarina Satti Born26 December 1986 Nationality🇬🇷 Greek National SelectionInternal selection 2024 In Eurovision2024 Malmö SongZari (2024) Biography Marina Satti is a Greek singer. She was born to a Sudanese Arab father and a Greek mother from Heraklion, Crete, in Athens. Alhtough born in Athens, she was raced in Heraklion. Marina spent her childhood summers in Sudan. From a young age, Marina was immersed in music, beginning with classical piano and later adding vocal training during her high school years. She initially pursued architecture at the National Technical University of Athens but didn’t complete her degree. In 2008, under the tutelage of baritone Panos Dimas, Marina achieved her first degree in lyrical monody, earning honors and a first prize. The following year, she received a second degree in advanced classical studies and explored jazz at the Nakas Conservatory. Her musical journey further expanded in 2010 at the Berklee College of Music, where she studied jazz composition and contemporary writing and production on a scholarship, learning from esteemed teachers like Jamie Haddad and Danilo Pérez. Satti’s career took a diverse path. She was a member of the European Jazz Orchestra and performed with the World Jazz Nonet at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington. She collaborated with Bobby McFerrin in the a cappella group The Singing Tribe. In 2016, she founded Fonés, a female a cappella group focusing on traditional polyphonic songs, performing at prestigious venues like the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Athens Concert Hall. Her single “Koupes” achieved over 24 million YouTube views and featured on the Buddha Bar 20 Years Anniversary album by Ravin & Bob Sinclar. Her 2017 single “Mantissa” gained international recognition, appearing in the European Union’s Official Top 100 and Bulgaria’s Top 40, and was dubbed “song of the summer” by Global Citizen. NPR’s Joanna Kakissis praised it as a generation-inspiring summer hit. In 2017, Satti initiated a series of cultural events, leading to the formation of the choir Chόres, comprising 150 women, presenting traditional songs in archaeological sites. In 2018, she and Fonés showcased “YALLA!” featuring world music and Eastern Mediterranean traditional music, touring internationally. Her debut album “YENNA,” released in May 2022, was followed by a successful four-month European tour. In October 2023, she was announced as Greece’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. In the Grand Final on May 11 she reached the 11th place for Greece. Entries Zari Country🇬🇷 Greece Year2024 LanguageGreek LyricsMarina SattiOgeManolis ‘Solmeister’ SolidakisVlospa MusicGino ‘the Ghost’ BorriJay Lewitt StolarJordan Richard PalmerKonstantin Plamenov BeshkovMarina SattiNick KodonasOge BackingsErasmia Markidi DancersHüso ÇetintasIrini DamianidouVassilis KaragiannisYasin AO Results Semi Points: 86Position: 5Running order: 3 Results Finals Points: 126Position: 11Running order: 12 https://youtu.be/ENb4LCeq9Lc?si=06o5Gby9Fscbu7H5

🇮🇱 🇲🇹 National final season started already

France has already decided for a song and Czechia is about to do so. But two more countries have started their national selections. An update: Israel It is not a big surprise, the Israel-Hamas war influenced their national selection. The show was postponed, in the first show segments of the Israeli Defence Force were shown and the second show was postponed again due to a press conference about the hostages. However, two shows of HaKokhav Haba were shown so far. HaKokhav Haba (Rising Star) is the national final, as it was between 2015-2020. Every auditioning artist has to get 70% of the votes in order to get through to the next round. 22 November Shay Tamino, 85% Lian Biran, 97% Eliya Sharabi, 56% Eden Golan, 100% 2 December: Moriya Angel, 96% Jonathan Bitton, 86% Malka, 45% Arik Sinai, 90% Arik Sinai participated before. He earned a 4th place….. back in 1985!! Malta Malta has had four semifinals in October and November: 27 October Kurt Calleja, “Misunderstood” Sarah Bonnici, “Loop” Gail Attard, “Wild card” Mark Anthony Bartolo, “Condition or Fiction” Eliana Gomez Blanco, “There’s Only Flowers” Oxygyn, “Cloudmaker” Nathan, “Ghost” Lyndsay Pace, “Fire proof” Dominic Cini, “Bewsa” Kurt Calleja became 3rd in 2011, won in 2012 and represented Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest with “This is the night”.Sarah Bonnici took part in X-Factor Malta 2019 and became 12th in 2022.Gail Attard also took part in X-Factor Malta 2019.Mark Anthony Bartolo also took part in X-Factor Malta 2019, became 11th in 2022 and reached the semifinal in 2023.Eliana Gomez Blanco was 9th in 2023.Nathan was 11th in 2022.Lyndsay Pace took part in the 2015 semifinal and, of course, in X-Factor Malta 2019.Dominic Cini was involved in the 2009 semifinal. 3 November Marie-Claire, “Fading” Franklin Calleja, “Puppet” Desirei Grech, “Watch Me” Sopranique, “Empire” Janvil, “Man” Haley Azzopardi, “Tell Me That It’s Over” Denise Mercieca, “Mara” Mark Portelli, “Just be” Maria Christina, “Moving On” Marie-Claire took part in the 2023 semifinal.Franklin Calleja took part in 2013 (semifinal), 2014 (7th) and X-Factor Malta 2019 (10th).Janvil or J. Anvil took part in 2005 (3rd), 2006 (4th), 2009 (10th), 2010 (semifinal), 2011 (10th) and 2012 (14th).Denise Mercieca was involved in the auditions of X-Factor Malta 2019 and in 2022 (5th). Also Mark Portelli and Maria Christina took part in the auditions of X-Factor Malta 2019. 10 november Jessica Micallef, “Tagħna Tnejn” Cosette Baldacchino, “Free fall” Michela Galea, “Let’s talk about love” Thea Aqulina, “Blood stream” Miguel Bonello, “Better off alone” Moira Stafrace, “Feather flight” Dan, “Baraxx” Stefan Galea, “Numb” Karin Duff, “Breaking bad” Jessica Micallef auditioned for X-Factor Malta 2020. Michela Galea did the same in 2019. Miguel Bonello did an attempt in both years.Moira Stafrace took part in 1992 (2nd), 1993 (final), 1994 (winner in duet with Christopher Scicluna). Chris and Moira represented Malta in 1994 with “More than love) .Dan auditioned for X-Factor Malta 2020 and took part in 2023 (12th).Stefan Galea was involved in 2016 (semifinal), X-Factor Malta 2019 (auditions) and in 2023 (16th). 17 November Erba’, “Sirena” Miriana Conte, “Venom” Christian Arding, “Bellus” Lisa Gauci, “Breath” Matt Blxck, “Banana” Martina Cutajar, “Miles away” Greta Tude, “Topic (bla bla)” Ryan Hill, “Karma” Kyle George, “Arrows” Miriana Conte took part in 2017 (16th), 2018 (12th), in the X-Factor Malta 2019 and 2020, 2022 (6th), Already in 2006, Christian Arding took part (5th), and in 2009 (semifinal) and 2023 (10th).Matt Blxck took part in X-Factor Malta 2019 (auditions), 2020 (auditions), 2022 (7th) and 2023 (4th).Greta Tude reached the semifinal in 2023. The names in bold letters go through to the final in January.

Malmö will be united by music

The slogan of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest has been revealed: United By Music. Big questionmark on the head of many Eurovision fans…. United By Music was the 2023 slogan, wasn’t it? True, but the EBU has decided that, from now on, it will be a permanent slogan. The EBU announced it with a video, mentioning all the slogans since A Modern Fairytale in 2002. Marcus Österdahl on this change: “The Eurovision Song Contest is more than just a song competition; it’s a celebration of the power of music to bring people together. After over 20 years of using different slogans, and as we approach our 70th anniversary, we feel we have found one that truly encapsulates our brand. “By establishing a permanent slogan, we will have consistency in our message that music unites us all. It’s the perfect slogan to underline our values of inclusivity, equality, universality and celebrating diversity through music. As the popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest continues to grow around the world, we believe using the same slogan annually will help our brand become even stronger.”